Chapter 126: The Day of the Alliance Marriage – Storm Clouds Gather

The Murong Coast was ablaze with celebration. Streets were adorned with luxurious red carpets, and petals rained down from the skies, creating a breathtaking spectacle.

In Murong City, the heart of the festivities, the atmosphere brimmed with joyous grandeur. Lanterns and banners adorned every corner, and even the bright daylight couldn’t dim the brilliance of fireworks crafted from pure spiritual energy. Every display spoke of extravagance, showcasing the Murong family’s wealth and power.

The streets bustled with powerful cultivators. The air itself seemed alive with their energy, as Saint Realm experts mingled among the crowds like commoners.

“Quick! Let’s head to the Murong Estate. The ceremony will start soon—we can’t miss getting a good spot!”

“You’ve heard the news, right? The attackers from Xuantian City are as good as dead. The Murong family’s elders heavily injured them—they’re just lingering on their last breaths.”

“Of course! Anyone foolish enough to provoke the Murong family is courting death.”

“Exactly! With the Murong family’s deep reserves of power, there are few in the entire sea region who could dare challenge them.”

As people streamed toward the Murong estate, conversations buzzed about the so-called defeat of the Xuantian City attackers.

The Murong Clan, through calculated announcements, had claimed that their elders had cornered and grievously injured the attackers. This narrative successfully preserved their reputation, which had been momentarily shaken by the events in Xuantian City.

Thanks to alliances and negotiations, Ye Wentian of the Ye Clan had also smoothed things over with Ghost King Zhang Ying and the Yun Clan, ensuring the event’s success.

Inside her elegantly decorated chamber, Murong Xue sat in silence, her stunning features accentuated by light makeup. Yet, her cold expression revealed none of the joy expected on such an occasion.

Her father, Murong Jiuxing, entered the room with Elder Murong Bo.

“Xue, the guests are all seated. Are you ready?” Murong Jiuxing asked, his tone warm.

Murong Xue turned to face him, her gaze icy. “Father, why did you release that false statement? Aren’t you afraid of the consequences if the truth comes out?”

Both men stiffened, surprise flashing in their eyes.

“Xue, how did you know it was false?” Murong Jiuxing asked, frowning.

Murong Xue avoided revealing her meeting with JiangHuanYu or his terrifying secrets, knowing they wouldn’t understand.

“You don’t need to know how I found out. I just know it wasn’t your idea. This reeks of Ye Chen’s scheming, doesn’t it?”

Her sharp intellect quickly pieced together the truth. She knew her father well enough to recognize this plan wasn’t his doing.

Murong Jiuxing sighed. “You’re right. It was Ye Chen’s suggestion. Elder Murong Bo and I deliberated carefully and agreed that, while not ideal, it was the best course to protect the family’s reputation.

“Xue, Ye Chen is trustworthy,a true gentleman. Marrying him will only bring you happiness and security.”

Murong Xue’s lips curled into a bitter smile. “Father, you’ve been completely fooled by him.”

She knew Ye Chen’s charm was a façade, hiding a manipulative and sinister heart. But she also knew there was no changing her father’s mind. The pressures of tradition, politics, and the Ye Clan’s substantial dowry had overridden her protests.

“Let it be, then. If the Murong family becomes a laughingstock today, it will be of their own making,” she thought.

Without further argument, Murong Xue followed her father and Elder Murong Bo out of the chamber.

At the center of the Murong Estate was a massive plaza, spanning dozens of miles. Tables laden with fine wine, spiritual fruits, and rare beast meat were arranged meticulously.

The seats quickly filled with dignitaries from across the region. Among the guests were Ghost King Zhang Ying, seated with his entourage in the second row.

Nearby sat Blood King, the rotund and scarred master of the Blood King Sect, and Evil King, the leader of the Evil King Sect.

“Ghost King, how are your numbers looking for the big day?” Blood King asked casually.

“That’s none of your concern,” Zhang Ying replied curtly, his face as unreadable as ever.

The conversation died there as both turned their attention back to the grand stage.

Murong Jiuxing, accompanied by Elder Murong Bo and Murong Xue, entered the plaza to take their seats at the main table. This area was reserved for the Murong family’s most distinguished members, including the Ancient Elders Murong Xiu and Murong Ming and the Second Elder Murong Heng.

Murong Jiuxing sat at the center, with Murong Xue and Elder Murong Bo by his side. From this vantage point, they could see the entire plaza, now bustling with activity.

Seated in the front row, representing the most powerful factions, were the Four Great Ancient Clans besides the Murong family:

Each of these clans had brought their top experts to witness and partake in the momentous event.

The air in the plaza was charged with anticipation. Everyone present knew that the Murong-Ye alliance would significantly alter the balance of power in the sea region.

Unbeknownst to them, however, a storm was brewing, a storm that would sweep through the festivities and shake the foundations of the great clans.

Chapter 127 : “Severely Injured? Why Didn’t I Know?”

As Murong Xue took her seat, Ye Chen cast his gaze toward her, a gentle and courteous smile gracing his lips. Yet beneath his seemingly warm demeanor, his leering stare made Murong Xue deeply uncomfortable.

Murong Xue responded with a cold glare, her eyes sharp as swords, carrying an unmistakable air of disdain and contempt.

Her reaction stung Ye Chen, though his practiced mask of amiability didn’t falter.

“Humph! You wretch!” Ye Chen seethed internally. “Once I’ve taken you back to the Ye family, we’ll see how long you can keep that lofty attitude!”

Ye Chen’s public demeanor was one of a noble and cultured gentleman, but in truth, his heart was filled with dark thoughts.

From his position at the head table, Murong Jiuxing rose with his cup in hand. His voice was filled with pride as he addressed the assembly:

“Honored guests, today marks a joyous occasion as we unite my daughter, Murong Xue, and the Ye family’s young master, Ye Chen, in marriage.

“This alliance signifies the eternal bond between our two great clans. From this day forward, the Murong and Ye families will prosper together, united in strength and purpose.”

The crowd erupted in applause, and cups were raised high in celebration.

Standing beside him, Ye Wentian beamed, taking the opportunity to address the gathering as well.

“Today is indeed a blessed day,” he declared. “My son Ye Chen and Lady Murong Xue are joined by destiny. This marriage brings blessings not only to our clans but to all present.

“To that, I drink to you all!”

As Ye Wentian and Murong Jiuxing toasted the crowd, the other esteemed guests followed suit. Figures such as Yun Qianxing of the Yun Clan, Ghost King Zhang Ying, and the leaders of the South Palace and Chen clans raised their cups in unison.

Yet Murong Xue, seated among them, seemed indifferent. Her eyes lifted toward the sky, sensing an unusual change in the wind.

She had an ominous feeling as several familiar auras approached from afar. Though resigned to her fate, she couldn’t help but sigh internally.

Suddenly, a commanding voice rang out across the grand plaza:

“Hold it right there!”

“Who said Murong Xue and Ye Chen are officially engaged? This emperor has not given his consent!

“Hence, this so-called marriage is null and void!”

The voice was calm yet imbued with undeniable authority, causing everyone to pause in shock.

As the crowd turned their gazes upward, they saw a dazzling holy light enveloping the sky, forming a magnificent seven-colored cloud.

Standing at its center was none other than Jiang HuanYu, flanked by five breathtakingly beautiful women—Xiao Qingli, Medusa, Qian Xinrou, Han Wanxiang, and Su Baijie—all exuding grace and elegance.

Behind them were Jiang HuanYu’s trusted generals: Wan Jian Shen, Feipeng, Chonglou, Jianshen, Zuo Xuanqi, and Tie Poyun, along with an imposing force of one hundred Zhanshen Guards.

They stood in perfect formation, suspended on the vibrant clouds, radiating an overwhelming sense of power and majesty.

Jiang HuanYu stood with his hands behind his back, his expression serene as he looked down upon the crowd like a ruler surveying his domain.

The sudden and dramatic entrance sent ripples of shock through the crowd.

“Who is that man?!”

“He has so many stunning women with him! Damn, his nights must be pure bliss!”

“Get your head out of the gutter! Can’t you tell they’re not here to congratulate the Murong and Ye families?”

“Yeah, didn’t you hear what he said? He’s here to stop the marriage!”

“This guy must have a death wish, daring to disrupt an alliance between two ancient clans!”

Even Ye Chen, known for his composure, was seething with rage. His eyes turned venomous as he took in the sight of Jiang HuanYu and the women beside him. Jealousy burned in his chest, but his hatred for Jiang HuanYu burned even hotter.

Murong Xue, on the other hand, was taken aback. Her gaze swept across Jiang HuanYu’s companions—each of them radiant and stunning in their own right.

Initially, she had believed Xiao Qingli to be Jiang HuanYu’s sole confidante. Now, she realized he had several women by his side, all of whom were her equals in beauty.

It was then that Jiang HuanYu’s earlier words echoed in her mind: “I’m not desperate for you.”

Her heart stirred uneasily. Had she overestimated her importance to him?

“Impudent!”

“Who are you to trespass into the Murong family’s territory?! Have you grown tired of living?!”

The voice of Murong Bo, the great elder of the Murong family, rang out in fury.

Murong Jiuxing, seated nearby, wore a deep frown. He hadn’t expected such a disruption, and the implications unsettled him.

Murong Bo prepared to act, but Jiang HuanYu’s calm voice cut through the tension:

“Elder Murong Bo, have you forgotten me so soon?”

“A few days ago, in Xuantian City, we exchanged blows. Or has your memory grown that poor?”

His words caused Murong Bo to stiffen, his eyes widening in shock.

“It’s you!” Murong Bo bellowed. “You dare to show yourself here? Such audacity!”

“Patriarch, this is the man who aided the murderer of Zhang Lingyan!” he urgently informed Murong Jiuxing.

The revelation sent a wave of shock through the crowd.

“This man is behind the death of the Ghost King’s daughter?!”

“It’s her! The red-dressed woman beside him—that’s the one who killed Lingyan!”

The tension in the air thickened as Ghost King Zhang Ying, Lady Yunlan, and Yun Qianxing all turned their attention to Medusa.

“That’s her! She killed my Lingyan!” Lady Yunlan screamed, pointing at Medusa with trembling hands.

“Brother! Husband! You must kill her and avenge Lingyan!”

Zhang Ying’s eyes burned with murderous intent. A father’s wrath for his murdered child could not be contained.

Jiang HuanYu, unfazed by the Ghost King’s deadly glare, turned his gaze toward Murong Jiuxing.

“Patriarch Murong,” he began, his voice calm but firm, “I’ve heard some rather interesting news.”

“It’s said that the Murong family’s two ancient elders pursued me and gravely injured me, damaging my very essence.”

“Apparently, I’m now living on borrowed time.”

Jiang HuanYu spread his hands, a faint smile on his lips.

“But here’s the thing—if I’m so gravely injured, why don’t I know about it?”

“And, if memory serves, your so-called ancient elders have never even met me.”

“So, Patriarch, I’m curious: where, exactly, did this supposed ‘injury’ come from?”

The plaza fell into stunned silence. All eyes were on Murong Jiuxing, waiting to see how he would respond to this sudden and devastating question.

Chapter 128 : Xiao Qingli’s Strike—Nine Nether Avatar, Unparalleled Elegance!

When Jiang HuanYu spoke, Murong Jiuxing’s expression immediately turned dark as iron, and he froze in place.

The faces of Murong Bo, Murong Heng, and other high-ranking members of the Murong family also turned gloomy and cold.

This was a lie they had spread to protect their reputation, but now Jiang HuanYu had exposed it publicly, effectively slapping the Murong family in the face.

“This… what does he mean?”

“Does that mean the announcement from the Murong family earlier was a lie?”

“Isn’t that obvious? Look at him standing there alive and unharmed, mocking them outright. I can’t believe the prestigious Murong family would stoop so low as to fabricate stories to save face!”

“Tsk, tsk, what a disgrace. Who would’ve thought they’d sink to this level?”

The murmurs of the crowd spread, with none of the spectators being fools. Jiang HuanYu’s words, paired with the expressions of the Murong family, made the truth all too clear.

It was obvious that the story was a fabrication, and the Murong family’s reputation was now in tatters.

Murong Xue’s expression remained calm, though she sighed inwardly.

This was all within her expectations. Today was destined to be a humiliating day for the Murong family, all due to an event stemming from the death of the Ghost King’s daughter, Zhang Lingyan.

“You’re all just standing there?!”

“Their insults have reached our doorstep! Why haven’t you subdued them yet?!”

Murong Jiuxing’s face was dark, his voice cold and heavy as he barked orders at the Murong family elders.

“Yes!”

Murong Ming and Xiu, the two Ancient Elders, along with the Grand Elder Murong Bo, responded in unison.

The three of them released their Saint Emperor auras, and towering Saint Emperor Avatars appeared behind them, standing like divine giants over the heavens.

“The Murong family’s Saint Emperors are making a move!”

“Finally, we’ll see some action!”

“Three Saint Emperors attacking together, those people are done for!”

As the three elders unleashed their power, the crowd below was filled with awe and anticipation.

The Ghost King Zhang Ying kept his bloodshot eyes fixed on Medusa, his hatred burning intensely.

“You fools!” shouted Murong Ming from atop his Avatar.

“You had a chance to live, yet you chose the road to death!”

“For daring to insult the Murong family, today you will pay the ultimate price!”

With that, the three elders simultaneously unleashed their attacks. Their immense auras combined into a massive destructive storm of energy, surging toward Jiang HuanYu and his party like a meteor shower.

Murong Ming and Murong Xiu were both at Saint Emperor Level Seven, befitting their status as Ancient Elders.

Murong Bo, though slightly weaker, was still at Saint Emperor Level Five.

The combined might of the three created a catastrophic wave of energy that aimed to obliterate everything in its path.

Medusa was about to make her move, but Xiao Qingli stopped her.

“I’ll handle it,” Xiao Qingli said.

“It’s been a while since I’ve had a good fight. Let’s see if I’ve gotten rusty.”

Even though she was pregnant, Xiao Qingli didn’t need to use her full strength to deal with these opponents.

Medusa nodded and stepped back, leaving the fight to Xiao Qingli.

Xiao Qingli took a step forward, her face calm and serene, and raised her hands. A majestic Nine Nether Avatar appeared behind her, exuding an ethereal and overwhelming presence.

“That’s… a Saint Emperor’s aura!”

“She’s so young, but she’s already at the Saint Emperor level?!”

“This aura is terrifying! Who is this woman?”

The crowd below was stunned.

Murong Xue was equally shocked.

“Saint Emperor Level Seven?! Xiao Qingli… you’ve advanced again?!”

When they last met, Xiao Qingli had only been at Saint Emperor Level One. Now she had leapt to Level Seven.

Her gaze shifted to Jiang HuanYu, standing at the center.

Murong Xue realized with a growing sense of awe that this mysterious man was the reason for Xiao Qingli’s meteoric rise in power.

“Nine Nether Heavens Command!”

Xiao Qingli’s hands danced in a fluid motion, channeling a dense Nine Nether Light that radiated a suffocating energy, its intensity shaking the heavens.

The light beam collided with the combined attack of the three Saint Emperors in a deafening explosion.

The Nine Nether Light pierced through their combined energy storm like a blade through paper.

It didn’t stop there—the beam surged forward and struck the three Saint Emperor Avatars, obliterating them in an instant.

“Pfft…”

The three elders spat out blood as they were violently thrown back, their bodies trembling.

Though they managed to steady themselves mid-air, they were clearly severely injured.

Victory and defeat had been decided in a single strike.

The Murong family’s three Saint Emperors had been utterly overwhelmed by Xiao Qingli.

The spectators below were dumbfounded, staring in awe at Xiao Qingli.

“Am I seeing things?!”

“She… won?!”

“The Murong family’s three Saint Emperors were defeated in one move? Have they grown weak?!”

“No, it’s not the Murong family that’s weak—it’s that woman who’s absurdly strong!”

Ye Chen, sitting below, was equally stunned.

This woman’s beauty and strength captivated him completely.

“Who… is she?”

In that moment, Murong Xue’s allure was forgotten, replaced by Xiao Qingli’s unparalleled elegance.

Meanwhile, Ye Wentian, Murong Jiuxing, and Yun Qianxing wore grim expressions.

The power Xiao Qingli displayed was comparable to their own, even though they were at the peak of the Saint Emperor realm.

The Ghost King’s rage turned into caution.

He tightly gripped Lady Yunlan’s hand, silently warning her not to act rashly.

“She’s too strong,” he whispered.

“We’ll have to stay alive before we can think of avenging Lingyan.”

Lady Yunlan nodded reluctantly, suppressing her burning desire for revenge.

The crowd’s gaze returned to Xiao Qingli, her commanding presence dominating the plaza.

Chapter 129 : Robbing a Marriage in Public

At this moment, Murong Jiuxing, his hands clasped behind his back, questioned coldly, “Who exactly are you? A Saint Emperor of the Seventh Heaven, with such strength, cannot possibly be an unknown figure. Who are you, and why do you provoke my Murong clan?”

Xiao Qingli responded coldly, her expression regal, “I am the Empress of the Northern Domain’s Jiang Imperial Court. The reason I am here today is merely to accompany His Majesty of my court.”

“The Northern Domain? Jiang Dynasty’s Imperial Court?”

Many present were confused.

They had heard of the Northern Domain before but regarded it as an insignificant backwater, unworthy of attention. As for the Jiang Dynasty’s Imperial Court, it was entirely unfamiliar to them.

The only ones whose expressions shifted dramatically at the mention of Jiang were Ling Jiuyuan, the Grand Elder of the Eastern Ancient Holy Land, and the sect master of the Ice Cloud Sacred Sect.

The sect master of the Ice Cloud Sacred Sect had recently received news that someone claiming to be the Prime Minister of Jiang had led a Saint Emperor-level expert into the Ice Cloud Sacred Sect and seized the Dao Fruit. Furious, he had urgently summoned his sect’s Grand Elder and ancestors to investigate this so-called Jiang Imperial Court.

Now, to hear that this terrifying woman claimed to be the empress of Tianyan—someone of her strength could annihilate the Ice Cloud Sacred Sect single-handedly. How could he not tremble in fear?

Ling Jiuyuan was even more alarmed.

Initially, he had planned to visit the Northern Domain after this alliance ceremony to destroy the Jiang Imperial Court himself. However, the sudden appearance of a Saint Emperor Empress made it clear he would have been courting death.

“Isn’t the Northern Domain a barren place? How could it have nurtured Saint Emperor experts?”

This question plagued Ling Jiuyuan’s mind and many others present.

Meanwhile, Ye Chen’s expression twisted slightly upon hearing Xiao Qingli identify herself as the Empress of Jiang.

At the same time, Jiang HuanYu suddenly sensed a faint trace of hostility directed at him.

Following its source, his gaze landed on Ye Chen. The latter maintained his refined and gentle demeanor, but Jiang HuanYu saw through it with a smirk, dismissing him entirely.

“I recall the Northern Domain’s more notable factions being Tempest Sect and The Ten Thousand Beasts Forest, correct?”

“But I don’t recall hearing of any Jiang Imperial Court.”

At this moment, Nangong Han, head of the Nangong clan, looked directly at Jiang HuanYu and questioned.

By now, they had surmised that this man must be the so-called emperor of Jiang Dynasty. His earlier declaration of “this emperor” had already given him away.

“Tempest Sect and The Ten Thousand Beasts Forest? Both have long been destroyed by this emperor and reduced to dust in history.”

“Today, there is only one power ruling the Northern Domain!”

“Jiang!”

Jiang HuanYu’s voice was commanding, filled with disdain as he looked down upon the crowd.

At his words, a figure in the crowd, seated among the guests, tensed momentarily, their eyes flashing with hatred before quickly averting their gaze.

Though subtle, Jiang HuanYu noticed and locked onto this individual. He was now certain that this person was likely connected to the former of Ten Thousand Beasts Forest—a survivor harboring enmity against him.

Murong Jiuxing spoke again, his tone frosty. “Since you hail from the Northern Domain, why do you intrude upon my Murong clan? Today marks the alliance between my clan and the Ye clan. Does the Jiang Dynasty intend to meddle?”

“This emperor has already said that I have never agreed to this alliance!”

“As for why I’m here today, the reason is very simple.”

Jiang HuanYu’s gaze turned to Murong Xue.

Murong Jiuxing, Murong Bo, and Ye Chen, along with others, suddenly had a foreboding realization. Their eyes turned to Murong Xue in disbelief.

“Xue’er, don’t tell me…”

Murong Jiuxing began, but Jiang HuanYu interrupted him.

“Murong Xue, today is the final deadline!”

“This emperor will ask you one last time”

Jiang HuanYu’s tone was solemn, his gaze fixed on Murong Xue.

The entire venue fell silent.

Countless pairs of eyes turned to Murong Xue, their expressions a mix of astonishment and curiosity.

The faces of Ye Chen, Ye Wentian, and the Ye family elders turned cold and dark.

The realization was clear—Jiang HuanYu was here to steal the bride.

In front of countless powerful figures of the Sea Domain, Jiang HuanYu intended to publicly disrupt the marriage alliance.

If successful, the Murong and Ye clans would suffer not only a loss of face but become the laughingstock of history.

For proud ancient clans like theirs, this humiliation was worse than death.

All eyes were on Murong Xue, who was now the center of attention.

“Xue’er…” Murong Jiuxing’s voice trembled with suppressed anger, his fists clenched as he looked at his daughter, conflicted.

Time seemed to freeze as Murong Xue stood in contemplative silence. She neither rejected nor agreed, leaving everyone guessing her decision.

Finally, she exhaled softly, her gaze meeting Murong Jiuxing’s.

“Father, I’ve done my best.”

She stepped forward resolutely.

Under the gaze of thousands, Murong Xue’s figure ascended to the cloud on which Jiang HuanYu and his entourage stood.

She stood beside Jiang HuanYu.

Though she did not speak, her actions made her decision abundantly clear.

Murong Jiuxing was stunned.

He didn’t understand the meaning of her words but could feel his fury boiling over. His eyes burned with rage as he stared at Jiang HuanYu. His trembling fists and the ice-cold air around him were a testament to his suppressed fury.

Chapter 130 : Shame of the Ancient Clan!

“Outrageous!”
“Murong Xue, have you lost your mind?!”
“Do you intend to bring shame and disgrace to the clan in front of everyone?!”

Murong Ming clutched his chest, still injured, and roared angrily at Murong Xue.

“Silence!”
“To dare speak rudely to my Xue! were it not for the fact that you are an elder of the Murong clan, I would have killed you on the spot!”

Jiang HuanYu’s tone was cold but composed. With Murong Xue now officially by his side, his mood had improved considerably. While his grudge against the Murong clan wasn’t insurmountable, their attitude today would determine his next move.

“Your Majesty, this public interference is not only an affront to the Murong clan but also a blatant disregard for my Ye clan!”

“You’ve made enemies of two ancient clans. Does your so-called Jiang Dynasty have the strength to bear the consequences?”

Ye Wentian’s expression was stormy as he issued a sharp warning. His clan’s face had been utterly trampled upon, and the insult cut deep.

Ye Chen and Ye Ming, along with the other Ye clan experts, wore similarly dark expressions, their hatred for Jiang HuanYu evident in their glances.

“Murong Patriarch,” Ye Ming sneered through clenched teeth, “it seems your daughter has done a wonderful job humiliating us both. What a farce you’ve created today.”

Murong Jiuxing’s face grew terrifyingly grim, his eyes cold as he finally spoke.

“I don’t care who you are. Northern Domain or Sea Domain, it makes no difference!”
“Today, none of you will leave here alive!”

“Activate the formation!”

At his command, hundreds of Murong clan elders ascended into the sky, their holy light forming a vast encirclement around Jiang HuanYu and his entourage.

Murong Jiuxing himself revealed his peak Saint Emperor aura, its immense pressure spreading across the heavens.

Murong Heng, Murong Bo, Murong Ming, and Murong Xiu—all Saint Emperor-level experts—joined the formation, their injuries forgotten in the face of their clan’s honor being at stake.

Suddenly, an ancient, cold voice echoed from the Murong clan’s forbidden grounds.

“For many years, none have dared challenge the Murong clan. Let’s see which fool dares to act so recklessly today!”

Five elders clad in ancient robes appeared in the air. Two exuded the same peak Saint Emperor-level power as Murong Jiuxing, while the remaining three matched the strength of Murong Ming and his peers at the seventh level of the Saint Emperor realm.

The sight of more than ten Saint Emperor-level experts stunned the crowd.

“This is the Murong clan’s true foundation! No wonder they dominate the Sea Domain.”
“With three peak Saint Emperors, they truly deserve their reputation as one of the five great clans.”

Even Murong Xue, standing beside Jiang HuanYu, felt compelled to explain, “The two peak Saint Emperors are our Supreme Elders, Murong Yan and Murong Kun. The others—Murong Han, Murong Xiao, and Murong Li—are ancient elders who rarely emerge from seclusion.”

Jiang HuanYu smiled faintly at her explanation. “If I wish to leave, none of them can stop me. But perhaps it’s time to draw some blood.”

Murong Xue hesitated, but Jiang HuanYu reassured her, “Don’t worry. I hold no great grudge against your clan. As long as they behave appropriately, I’ll only kill those who deserve it.”

Murong Xue was surprised, her expression softening.

“Thank you,” she said quietly.

Jiang HuanYu gently took her hand, pulling her into his embrace. Before the entire assembly, Murong Xue leaned against his chest, her heart unexpectedly at ease.

“Wretch!” Ye Chen roared, his face contorted in fury. “You dare humiliate me like this, Murong Xue? You and that scoundrel will pay for this with your lives!”

“Father! Elders! Attack now! Wipe them out!”

The Ye and Murong clans launched their combined offensive. Holy radiance erupted across the skies, waves of devastating power converging on Jiang HuanYu and his group.

Jiang HuanYu, calm and composed, made no move to defend himself.

“Wan Jian Shen,” he called out casually, “handle it.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

Wan Jian Shen stepped forward, placing himself at the forefront of the cloud where Jiang HuanYu stood, ready to strike back against the combined might of the two ancient clans.